Best Tent Camping near Lee Vining, CA
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Best Tent Sites Near Lee Vining, California (64)
1. Mono Basin Dispersed Camp Site
6 Reviews•19 Photos•217 SavesLee Vining, CaliforniaDispersed camping is allowed on public land in the Mono Basin—the Jeffrey pine forest off of Highway 120 east is a recommended dispersed camping area. If you plan on having a campfire, propane stove, lantern, or any open flame, you must obtain a permit. Camping is allowed on the exposed lakebed surrounding Mono Lake by permit only. Camping on the islands in Mono Lake is allowed by permit only, except during April through August when the islands are closed to all boaters. Dispersed camping is prohibited in developed recreation areas such as South Tufa, Navy Beach, Old Marina, and County Park. Permits are available free-of-charge at the Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area Visitor Center
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- Dispersed
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2. Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping
10 Reviews•18 Photos•562 SavesMammoth Lakes, CaliforniaRegulations governing campfires can change with weather conditions and the seasons. To protect yourself and the forest, before each visit, check with the Forest Service office nearest to your destination for current restrictions.
You can help protect the National Forests from wildfires by knowing and following the rules for the safe use of fire. You must have a California Campfire Permit to use a stove or lantern outside a Developed Recreation Area such as a campground. The permit is your agreement to follow restrictions and regulations in effect.
Your California Campfire Permit is valid until the end of the calendar year; it may be used in any National Forest in California.
Go to any Forest Service, CALFIRE, or Bureau of Land Management office during business hours and a receptionist will issue you a permit. You may also go to this website to get a campfire permit online (please note you will need a printer to print it off).
Campfires - Campfires when permitted, you need to follow five conditions:
Campfire Permits are required. Clear all flammable material away from the fire for a minimum of five feet in all directions to prevent escape of the fire. Have a shovel available at the campfire site for preparing and extinguishing campfires. Have a responsible person in attendance at all times. Extinguish campfire with water, using the drown, stir and feel method. Take Responsibility... It is your responsibility to know the current conditions and restrictions for the area you intend to visit.
Details here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/inyo/recreation/ohv/?cid=stelprdb5362150
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- Dispersed
3. Upper Lyell Canyon Footbridge Backcountry Campsite — Yosemite National Park
3 Reviews•20 Photos•67 SavesJune Lake, California- Pets
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- Group
- Tent Cabin
4. Mill Creek National Forest
3 Reviews•11 Photos•65 SavesMono City, California- Pets
- Phone Service
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- Group
- Dispersed
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5. Housekeeping Camp — Yosemite National Park
8 Reviews•37 Photos•150 SavesYosemite Valley, CaliforniaThe Housekeeping Camp in Yosemite sits on the floor of the Yosemite Valley. Located on Southside Drive, this campground offers tent sites and glamping tents. Picnic tables, fire pits, and an extensive camp store.
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- Reservable
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6. Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp — Yosemite National Park
2 Reviews•9 Photos•57 SavesYosemite Valley, California- Fires
- Reservable
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- Tent Cabin
- Glamping
- Drinking Water
7. Vogelsang High Sierra Camp — Yosemite National Park
2 Reviews•5 Photos•35 SavesYosemite National Park, CaliforniaLocated deep in the rugged Yosemite National Park backcountry, Vogelsang is one of the park’s acclaimed High Sierra Camps (HSC). One of five high country camp areas, Vogelsang is the highest, situated at an elevation of 10,130 feet, near the head of Rafferty Creek, and at the base of 11,410-foot Fletcher Peak. The only way to get there is by hiking a fairly rugged 7.5-mile trail from Tioga Road (Hwy 120), in the Tuolumne Meadows area, up and over 9,992-foot Tuolumne Pass. The trail begins with a comfortable stroll along the picturesque Lyell Fork Tuolumne River, before climbing steadily south into lodgepole pine forest alongside tumbling Rafferty Creek, and finally emerging into sprawling alpine meadows surrounded by skyscraping granite spires.
The HSC at Vogelsang consists of 12 tent cabins that can accommodate a maximum of 42 guests. Cabins are equipped with bunks, but campers must provide their own linens or sleeping bags. Camp guests are also treated to family-style breakfast and dinner by the camp host and chef. A vault toilet is available near the camp area. Getting to stay in one of Vogelsang’s coveted cabins requires entering the annual HSC lottery, which typically takes place the winter before the summer hiking season. Due to high demand, the limited number of spaces, and the short accessibility season (often only 2–3 months), camps sell out quickly. If you don’t get a cabin space, you can choose to tent camp nearby (backcountry permit required). This is primitive wilderness camping, so you should follow Leave No Trace guidelines. You can still opt to purchase just a meal at the camp so you don’t have to cook. HSC cabin rates are $152–$159/person/night; meals only are $80/person/night; kids rates are available.
The Vogelsang HSC is the perfect basecamp for exploring one of the most spectacular regions of the Yosemite high country. Right near the camp, you can visit nearby Boothe Lake, take a chilly dip in Fletcher Lake, or make a short hike to Vogelsang Lake, which rests in a rocky basin between Fletcher Peak and 11,493-foot Vogelsang Peak. Wander a little farther through Vogelsang Pass for stunning views over Lewis Creek Canyon and 12,561-foot Mount Florence. For an extended trip, you can continue another 8 miles southwest to Merced Lake HSC, one of the larger, and more remote camps on the High Sierra Loop. For a stunning change of scenery on your hike out from Vogelsang, hike east through the Evelyn Lake meadows—with an optional 3-mile round trip to Ireland Lake—then drop down into the wide Lyell Canyon and finish with a leisurely, view-packed stroll north alongside the river.
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8. Obsidian Meadows Dispersed
2 Reviews•13 SavesJune Lake, California- Pets
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- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
9. Young Lakes Backcountry Camp — Yosemite National Park
1 Review•4 Photos•58 SavesLee Vining, California- Pets
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- Tent Cabin
- Glamping
$5 / night
10. Upper Deadman Campground
2 Reviews•7 Photos•207 SavesDevils Postpile National Monument, California- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
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- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Picnic Table
Recent Tent Reviews near Lee Vining, California
1185 Reviews of 64 Lee Vining Campgrounds
- JJmani T.
Scout
KOA Coleville/Walker Meadowcliff Lodge
Quite and Clean
This was our first time at a KOA and we throughly enjoyed ourselves. We stayed for one night. (Tent Camping) The staff was friendly and helpful and all of the sites and communal areas were clean. The tent sites were a tad smaller than what we imagined, but was able to situate our 10x10 canopy and connecting tent between the hook ups and picnic table. The views are beautiful and it is mostly quiet but you can hear the road at times.
Kristen S.
Guide
Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes
Decent campground, overpriced
We were tent camping and were nervous about not having a reservation around Yosemite so we reserved a site here for a tent site by the river. The price was high but were willing to pay for a confirmed place to stay during June 2021. When we got there they were under major construction and told us the area by the river was closed. They put us in the area on the hill. The sites were small and full of dirt. We got more dirty there than several of the more remote places we stayed before and after our stay there. The campground was decent though, and everyone we spoke with was nice. Three stars was value for the price. We found several first-come first served campgrounds around there for much less (of course they only had vault toilets).
- HHeather L.Scout
Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes
Great for families traveling to Yosemite
We tent camped on the river here and really enjoyed our stay. We floated on the river in tubes, visited Nearby Rainbow Pools, went into Yosemite Valley a couple of days, the park is about 5-10 mins from the entrance to Yosemite but we didn’t mind we enjoyed the drive into the valley and used it as an opportunity to spot wildlife. We had two young kids (6 &8) and the campground restrooms and showers were perfect after a long day hiking, they were well maintained, good water pressure. These restrooms were located at the ponderosa tent sites, we had some family also camping in RVS along the river and I can’t speak for those restrooms. No cell service & WiFi is unlikely to work so prepare to be unplugged..they do give you printed directions to the closest area to get a signal depending on your carrier. The staff was very friendly and helpful! We will definitely be back one day. Side note: we came during COVID so reservations to Yosemite National park were required, therefore the park and surrounding campgrounds were not as packed as they normally would be. (This was heavenly).
- TThomas H.Guide
Housekeeping Camp — Yosemite National Park
Housekeeping Camp - Yosemite, NP
Great location right in the valley. Amenities were nice (showers, laundry, food). The three-sided cinder block enclosure was a bit rustic and dirty. Would have felt cleaner actually camping in a tent where you can control what comes in and out of your personal space. Hiked several days in the park and took in sunset from Glacier Point (while doing the 4 mile hike earlier in the day from the valley floor up to the point). Beautiful!
- E
Edward R.Guide
Big Bend Campground
A Secret Place
The Eastern Sierra entrance to Yosemite National Park is short and sweet. From Hwy 395 it is only 12 miles. The turn off to drive to the front gate begins at a little town called Lee Vining. About 4-5 miles in you come to a campground sign and a road called Poole Power Plant just past the Inyo National Forest sign. You can only turn left. In front of you sits the name of two campsites. Moraine to the left and Big Bend to the right. Take a right and the campground sits about two miles up on a partially paved/dirt road. The road takes you past a beautiful meadow where deer come out at early morning and evening. You will pass another campground called Aspen Campground. This is a wonderful place with over 40 sites. However, Big Bend offers the same amenities with only 17 FC/FS sites. As you reached the unpaved section of road, you drive along Lee Vining Creek. It’s wonderful and full of trout. You can fish along the road there any time. You’ll reach Big Bend when you come to a small waterfall. I say small because I visited Yosemite this time, but it is a pretty good size. As you turn left into the campground you will find that 16 of the 17 sites are next to it within 50 ft of the creek. Fishing is so easy from the campground itself. The campground host was one of the nicest people I have ever met. Try to get to know him and he will tell you if the many things located close to the campground, like Beaver Pond within 20 minutes from the CG and a mountain spring creek with some of the best tasting water you’ll ever find within a 1/4 mile from Big Bend. With only 17 sites, the host is able to keep the bathrooms very clean and constantly check for any problems. He resides across to street from BB and checks at least 4 times a day to make sure all is well. If you drive a mile farther up the dirt road, at the end you will find a working power plant owned by SCE. It’s an old building and is in wonderful condition. Along the way you will find more spots to cast your line in. The campground isn’t that big and if it’s full it can feel crowded. However, the sites are well marked out and most are big enough for a 30’ trailer. For tent camping, it’s perfect! With only a few sites that are all FC/FS, you might find it hard to get in. We got there on a Monday and had about half the sites to choose from. When we left 7 days later, we had a line of 3 campers ready for sites to open up. All in all, this is one of the best CG to stay if you’re planning on going to Yosemite, being only 9 miles from the entrance and 6 miles to a place to get coffee and gas. Lee Vining town is a half mile farther. Along the way, there are so many other places to visit.
- Christina R.Guide
Mammoth Mountain RV Park & Campground
Nice campground
I really enjoyed tent camping here. I’m not a fan of the trailer camping because it’s all cement and everyone is close together, but it’s doable if need be. When tent camping, you’re under beautiful trees which I love!
- Sarah F.Guide
North Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park
Great camping
We had a nice open camping spot. It was at the edge of Yosemite Valley. The only downside to the spot was everyone else had a RV and had there generators on at 6am. We are not RV people so we don’t know why they need to run them. Next time we will camp in a tent only area. This area had no showers.
Megan E.
Ranger
Crane Flat Campground — Yosemite National Park
Night under the stars
Got one of the furthest sites tent camping. Could see all the stars. They also provide bear boxes for each site.
- Regina P.Guide
Mono Hot Springs
Gem in the wilderness
This is our go to place for our yearly camp out . It has a spot for everyone from tent camping to cabins.
- JJenise P.
Traveler
Mono Vista RV Park
No privacy for tents
There is no space between tent sites and no dividing trees or bushes. Bathroom and showers are clean.
Tim S.Guide
Fence Creek Campground
Off the beaten track
This is a beautiful campground. At the end of the road. Parking is along a ridge, and tent camping is down the hill. RV camping has no hookups, but plenty of space.
- Nikki C.Guide
Crane Flat Campground — Yosemite National Park
Tent camping outside the Yosemite valley
Beautiful tent camping above the Yosemite valley. Close enough to drive into the valley but far enough to not be surrounded by people at all times. Make sure to bring hammocks! Great trees to lounge in!
Thomas K.Guide
Crab Cooker Hotsprings - Dispersed Camping
Private hotspring with mountain views
4x4 or high clearance coming in. Long dirt road with dips and rocks. Water only flowing in winter months. Lots of tent camping spots along with 8 back in spots. Really amazing views 360 degrees. No service with Verizon.
Amber D.Ranger
Glass Creek
Great for the price!
It's free but donations are welcome. It's more for boondocking your trailer or RV. Spots are huge. Great for motorcycle/snowmobile. I was the only person in a tent. Not great if you're looking for tent camping atmosphere. But close to Mammoth and June Lake Loop. Had a bear visitor. Better for RV camping.
- SSamantha E.Scout
June Lake Campground
Great campsite right next to town
Tent camping and some RV sites available. Went at the very end of the season so cold at night but beautiful during the day! Various homes nearby. Lake was beautiful and the leaves were changing in time for winter. Very clean. Flushable toilets and running water. Walking distance from town.
- AAlexander A.Scout
Mono Vista RV Park
Mono Vista
Been camping here for years, very nice and really clean. Nice family owned rv park and tent camping. Make sure if you come since it’s right next to the mountains be prepared for wind and rain, but usually passes pretty quick. About a two hour drive into Yosemite valley and only like 20 mins from Yosemite east entrance.
Tory B.GuideChris Flat — Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest Headquarters
Great small campground right on the river
Campground is setup in a loop. Pay at the post upon entry - fill out the reservation envelope and put your nightly fee into the envelope.
There are spots for tent camping and even or truck spots with a larger parking space.
This is a seasonal campground and will be closed during the winter months.
- JJames W.Traveler
Indian Flat RV Park
Close to Yosemite
Very close to park entrance. Tent sites are small and gravel. However the hosts are friendly, there are showers, clean bathrooms, good wifi, and you can use the resort pool. Great place to relax after a long day of hiking in Yosemite.
Alison
Legend
Eureka Valley Campground
Next to the Stanislaus River
Love this campground because of it’s close proximity to the Stanislaus River. There are 28 first come first serve RV and Tent sites. There are interesting granite rock formations in and around the campground. Potable water, fire rings, picnic tables and garbage receptacles round out the amenities.
- Cecil K.Guide
Silver Lake Campground at June Lake
Peaceful tranquil and beautiful campground on the lake
Visited in Fall, beautiful time, All the trees were changing, it was beautiful. The campground was nice, the spaces were separated, we tent camped. Store a few minute walk down the road, along with place to rent boats for the lake. Very calm and peaceful area. Because of the beauty and seclusion, wonderful time. one of the best campgrounds/locations I've ever been to.
- BBernadette A.Scout
Sweetwater
Secluded Getaway
Absolutely loved it here! No cellphone service, no showers, and one nature toilet. A true tent camping experience. Fell asleep to the raging river nearby. Recreation.gov states that bear proof lockers are provided but that is not true. This is a remote campsite, you are living in bear country; be prepared and secure you food/garbage. We had no problems with any wildlife and found it peaceful.
Msmetoo48 S.Guide
Paradise Shores RV Park
Beautiful !!!
This campground is close to a small town, many lakes, hiking, biking, atv trails etc. the campground offers clean bathrooms, laundry, open kitchen and fire pit, free kayaks and SUP boards to use. Beautiful grounds. Full hook ups, great tent sites, and rentals. Great staff. Wood, charcoal, ice, and propane for sale on sight.
- Athena F.Scout
Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes
3 Star rating at best
The river is fun for tubing and evening chill. Close drive into the park but tent sites were crammed and the womens restroom became unusable with overflowing toilets. Get there early to pick your spot! Some good shade unless they are all taken so come prepared with your own. Had to use the one toilet in the men’s restroom.
- KKelly C.Traveler
Camp 4 — Yosemite National Park
Yosemite Camp 4 was AWESOME
This campground was awesome. We went in the middle of summer without reservations and we were able to get a tent site. This camp site is at the head of the Upper Falls trail so you can get an early start and see some great sunrise scenes. Plenty of toilets and water sources at the camp site, just bring your filter.
Alyssa K.ScoutSweetwater
Great Site, but not if you want some quiet
We had a great experience with the Rangers and the facilities. The view was BEAUTIFUL and we had a great time. However, we were tent camping for the night and were kept awake by our loud neighbors in their RVs who were playing loud music until 1am. Also, planes fly overhead pretty frequently which woke me up. But the quality of the place is great and would be good for family trips.
- BBenjamin C.Guide
Lower Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park
close to the action
site: right on river was a huge plus! semi-private, decent sized site. some sites seemed more private than others. some tree cover. a bit loud for tent camping quiet, but it’s expected with such a full campground. amenities: quite clean for the amount of people using facilities. attractions: the views from my site were amazing. shuttle stop near campground. I would go camping here again if we wanted to be in the heart of the park.
- Lauren L.Guide
Convict Lake Campground
No shade but one of our faves
We usually stay in the Mammoth Lakes area but changed it up and we are so happy we did. The tent sites are small with little to no shade but the beauty of Convict Lake was worth it. The only wildlife we dealt with were deer which is much better than bears (so many in Mammoth).
We enjoyed paddle boarding, fishing, and hiking around the lake.
Guide to Lee Vining
Tent camping near Lee Vining, California, offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of the Eastern Sierra. With a variety of well-reviewed spots, campers can enjoy both the serenity of the outdoors and access to local attractions.
Tips for tent camping near Lee Vining
- Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping: This area allows for free camping without the need for permits, making it a budget-friendly option for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors.
- Mono Basin Dispersed Camp Site: Located just off CA-120, this site provides beautiful views of Mono Lake and the Sierra Nevada, perfect for a peaceful retreat.
- Mill Creek National Forest: Enjoy the calming sounds of a nearby creek while camping here, which is easily accessible and offers a tranquil atmosphere.
Some prices for tent camping are free
- Upper Deadman Campground: This free camping option is just 20 minutes from June Lake and Mammoth, making it a convenient choice for those exploring the area.
- Obsidian Meadows Dispersed: Another free option, this site features scattered spots along a maintained road, ideal for those seeking a more rugged experience.
- Garnet Lake: While a permit is required, the stunning views and peaceful environment make it worth the effort for campers looking for a memorable experience.
Local attractions to explore while camping
- Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp: A short hike from Tuolumne Meadows, this camp offers access to beautiful waterfalls and the Tuolumne River, perfect for day hikes.
- Young Lakes Backcountry Camp: A scenic 6.4-mile hike leads to this picturesque campsite, where you can enjoy stunning lake views and explore the surrounding wilderness.
- Sunrise High Sierra Camp: Known for its breathtaking beauty, this camp provides a unique opportunity to experience the tranquility of Yosemite's backcountry while being close to hiking trails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Lee Vining, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Lee Vining, CA is Mono Basin Dispersed Camp Site with a 4.7-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Lee Vining, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 64 tent camping locations near Lee Vining, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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